Beginner adult art classes
January 5, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
So you want to be an artist!
Start your artistic journey with our beginner art classes, made for adults who want to build a strong creative foundation. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or rediscovering a hobby, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to create beautiful drawings and paintings in this series, which begins in January and ends in March.
Taught by Center Art Director Kathy Bechtel, students will progress through three sessions: drawing, color theory and painting. Each course offers hands-on instruction in an intimate 10-person class. All classes are held at the Franciscan Life Process Center, 11650 Downes St. NE in Lowell.
Sign up for the beginner adult art classes online.
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Session 1 – Drawing
Students select either Mondays or Thursdays:
Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Jan. 5-Feb. 2
Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon – Jan. 8-Feb.5
This five-week course will start with lessons in drawing basic objects and shapes and exploring how light and shadows affect each shape from different perspectives. In the following weeks, students will apply these skills to create still lifes, landscapes and portraits. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of this session is $200 per person.
Please note: Session 1 is required as a prerequisite for Session 2.
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Session 2 – Color theory
Select Mondays or Thursdays:
Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Feb. 9 and 16
Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon – Feb. 12 and 19
In this two-week course, students will discover how colors interact and learn to create primary, secondary and tertiary colors using acrylic paint. Participants will learn how to mix and manipulate colors to build harmonious palettes and gain a stronger understanding of the color wheel. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of this session is $80 per person.
Please note:
- Students must attend Session 1 in order to join Session 2.
- If a student would like to skip Session 1 and progress to Session 2, please contact Art Director Kathy Bechtel at kbechtel@lifeprocesscenter.org.
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Session 3 – Painting
Select Mondays or Thursdays:
Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Feb. 23-March 16
Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon – Feb. 26-March 19
In this four-week course, students will bring together the skills learned in Sessions 1 and 2 to create a complete acrylic painting. Lessons will include composition, edges, mood and dramatic lighting, helping participants create depth and enhance their paintings. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of Session 3 is $160 per person.
Students who sign up for all three sessions will receive $40 off, making the whole 11-week series $400 per person.